The Writing Styles Of Dune - Learning From Literature

Frank Herbert wrote six groundbreaking novels in the original Dune series before his death, leaving the final installment of the saga unfinished. His son, Brian Herbert, along with co-author Kevin J. Anderson, later expanded the universe with 15 additional novels — prequels, sequels, and explorations of pivotal events like the Butlerian Jihad (see my post The Complete Timeline of Dune for more on that).

Because these books come from different authors and eras, the writing styles vary noticeably across the series.

The Original Dune Series by Frank Herbert:

Expanded Universe by Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson:

Prelude to Dune:
Legends of Dune:
Dune Sequels:
- Hunters of Dune (2006)
- Sandworms of Dune (2007)
Heroes of Dune:
- Paul of Dune (2008)
- The Winds of Dune (2009)
Great Schools of Dune:
The Caladan Trilogy:

(Note: Graphic novels by the duo are not included in this list)

Analysis

Many readers have tackled the entire 21-novel Dune franchise — but so far, I’ve only read Frank Herbert’s original six. I’m planning to dive into the rest soon!

While Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson drew from Frank Herbert’s notes and vision, their storytelling approach differs. The originals are rich with philosophical depth, exploring themes like power, religion, ecology, and human nature. In contrast, the newer books tend to be faster-paced and more action-driven, focusing on plot momentum over introspective nuance.

That’s not necessarily a bad thing — it’s just different. If you go in expecting a continuation rather than a replication of Frank Herbert’s tone, there’s a lot to enjoy. In fact, many fans prefer the newer books for their accessibility and adventure. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal taste.

Check out more Dune posts!